THE CHEMISTRY OF THE WORLD CUP BALL

POLYURETHANE COVERING
The surface covering of a football is composed
of synthetic leather; in professional footballs,
this is made from polyurethane polymers. The
World Cup ball is made from six polyurethane
panels, which are thermally bonded together.
This covering protects the ball and minimises
water absorption. In cheaper footballs, the
coating can be made from PVC.

NYLON LINING
Several layers of lining are used between
the covering of the football and the bladder
to improve the bounce and strength of the
ball. This lining is made of nylon, another
class of polymers also known as polyamides.
Polyesters can also be used for this purpose.
O
H
N

N
H

N
R

ISOCYANATE

NYLON 6-6

POLYOL

R represents the portion of the organic molecule that can be varied depending
on the specific polyurethane that is being synthesised.

N
R

BUTYL BLADDER

O
R

C
O

POLYURETHANE

(urethane linkages in orange)

Polyurethane is a polymer - a very large

molecule built up from many smaller units
bonded together. The basic synthesis of
polyurethanes involves the addition reaction
of isocyanate and polyol molecules to form
urethane groups.

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The bladder is the part of the ball in which

the air is contained. Butyl rubber is often
used because it retains the air better than the
other option, latex. However, latex bladders
can provide better surface tension.
H

CH3

CH3

CH3

H
n

H
C

BUTYL
RUBBER

BY

NC

ND